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Nobody can dispute the assertion that visual content, say for instance, a YouTube video, can amplify the impact of written content. Welcome to the world of Vlogging and Vloggers. Since the first footage was uploaded on YouTube by its creators, video blogging popularly known as vlogging has come a long way.
Given that gazillion videos on YouTube are clamoring for viewers’ attention, you cannot afford to take chances with the quality of video. Simply ensuring that the images are of 4K video or 1080p HD quality will not suffice. You’d need to pay equal attention to the audio quality-viewers who’ve very short attention spans will not wait even for a second before moving on to the next footage if there’s too much of background noise.
As the inbuilt mic in the majority of cameras used for filming vlogs are omnidirectional, the quality of audio that is recorded and reproduced is abysmal. Using an external vlogging microphone will enable you to overcome this problem and improve audio quality considerably.
Usage, Types and the Benefits of Vlogging Microphones
Digital gadgets normally used for recording footages like video cameras, DSLRs, camcorders, and action cameras to name a few, come with embedded microphones for picking up audio. Since the primary purpose of a video camera or a camcorder is to record high quality images, the audio captured by the built-in mic is more often than not, of very poor quality. Understandably enough, the inbuilt mic is not the USP of an action or video camera and hence it is not a priority feature.
Not only is the audio quality generated by the mic inferior, it seems to pick up almost every kind of sound emitted by different sources eventually overpowering the audio that viewers would want to hear. As long as you’re vlogging indoors, this discrepancy may not make much of a difference. But when you’re recording videos for YouTube out of doors, the background noise and disturbance might drive away your target audience. In order to overcome this problem, your best option would be to go for a good vlogging microphone.
Considerations for choosing the best vlogging microphone
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- Your choice is influenced by the sort of Vlogs you create-Before deciding on selecting the best vlogging microphone that’d be appropriate for you, you’d need to focus on the sort of videos that you generally upload on YouTube. There is a distinct microphone external mic for a specific type of footage. For instance, USB mics come in perfectly handy for filming or recording videos from a desktop PC or via a laptop like a board meeting, interview, podcast, webcast, and so on. There are other types of the microphone for vlogging that are used for capturing a particular kind of footage including shotgun mic, lapel mic, and camera mic.
- Are you looking for a standard vlogging or a top notch mic?
There are different brands or models in each and every category pertaining to microphone for vlogging. Every brand comes with its unique set of features and the versatility of the product usually determines the price. Since the price of a vlogging microphone varies one from one product to another, you budget will ultimately determine whether you can afford a topnotch model or be content with a standard product. After all, you get what you pay for.
- Accessorial equipment: In order to make the most of your vlogging camera microphone you’ll indispensably need accessorial equipment to vlog including pop filters, tripod stand, shock mount, and carry case to name a few. So, you may have to scale up your budget in order to buy equipment for vlogging (apart from the ext. mic) in case you don’t already have these.
The basic types of vlogging microphones
Built-in mic in cameras, DSLRs, and smartphones tend to capture ambient noise because they happen to be omnidirectional. On the other hand, the typical microphone for vlogging is either unidirectional (capturing frontal sound) or bidirectional (picking up audio from the back). Though there are some good microphones for vlogging that are omnidirectional, you’ll want to buy one if and only if you wish to include ambient sound in the vlog.
Therefore your choice narrows down to selecting either a unidirectional or bidirectional vlogging microphone. The cardioid type is the most extensively used unidirectional mic in different professional areas including sound recording studios, videogame industry, trade symposiums and meets, and so on. Vlog microphones are basically of three types:-
- Lavalier/ lapel mics-Lapel mics serve the purpose in coaching classes, tutorials, small conferences, auditoriums, and the like. This kind of mic is popular owing to its small footprint, setting up convenience, and low price.
- Shotgun mics-Shotgun mics find maximum use in the film and television industry because of their ability to highlight sound in the front by cutting out noise or disturbing sounds on the sides and back. This kind of vlogging camera microphone perfectly compatible for using with DSLRs is preferred by vloggers.
- Studio mics-As their terminology clearly indicates, studio microphone for vlogging are designed for extensive use across music and song recording studios, radio broadcasting, and TV stations. This type of mic is also in podcasting and webcasting. The quality of audio reproduced is flawless as the studio mic is layered with a specialized material that filters out ambient noise.
Generally, a full range of vlogging gear is required for getting the best out of studio microphones.
Reviewing the 5 Best Vlogging Microphones
1. Lavalier Lapel Microphone with Easy Clip On System | Perfect for Professional Recording Youtube Vlog Interview / Podcast | External Omnidirectional Mic for iPhone iPad iPod Android Mac PC
If you want to ensure that the audio quality of your YouTube videos is as good as the images and illustrations, opt for the Lavalier Lapel Mic with Easy Clip on System. Equipped with noise cancellation functionality, the lapel-styled mic from YouMic captures clear and crisp audio making it perfect for vlogging, holding interviews, podcasting or webcasting. Setting up this omnidirectional iPhone vlogging microphone is supremely easy as you’re relieved from the hassle of dealing with messy cables, power plugs, and batteries. Vloggers who use their iPhones to film swear by this iPhone back glass repair shop.
This Lavalier mic comes with a versatile 3.5mm TRRS jack that can be smoothly plugged inside the port of an iPhone, iPad, MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro or any Android or Windows smartphone.
FEATURES
- Omnidirectional-picks up multidirectional sound that you and your audience wish to hear
- Lightweight-weighs only 0.3 ounce
- Extremely compact
- Across-the-board compatibility-works with Android, Apple, and Windows smartphone
- Every pack comes with vlogging microphone, 59” Velcro cord, wind muff, crocodile-styled clip, and wind muff
- Doesn’t require batteries or external power plugs for powering
PROS
- Good vlogging microphone for webcasting, podcasting, recording YouTube vlogs
- Extremely small footprint: can be pinned on the shirt lapel or cuff in a manner that the mic is visible only to the user
- Perfectly suitable for setting up with Android and Apple phones, iPad, iPod, and Windows phones, GoPro, and different camera models
- Cord be compactly wrapped using Velcro closure: this feature comes in handy when you’re using a tripod or selfie stick for audio/video recording
CONS
- May not be compatible with some models of desktops, PCs, and mainframes
- The clip is a little too large compared to the mic and therefore could be difficult to conceal especially when used for making indie or fiction films
- Not durable enough: Not very resistant to scrapes, scratches, and chewing
2. Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Microphone Omnidirectional Mic with Easy Clip-On System Perfect for Recording Youtube / Interview / Video Conference / Podcast / Voice Dictation / iPhone
The Lavalier/lapel microphone from PowerDeWise easily qualifies for the best vlog equipment tag in that this device is remarkably resourceful as well as affordable. This is one omnidirectional mic that serves the purpose when you need to record seamless audio for a YouTube vlog, one-to-one interview, podcast, and iPhone webcast. Included in this vlogging starter kit is a 78 inches jack cable that offers you the leeway to move from one position to another while you deliver a lecture or address an audience.
The 3.5mm jack at one end of the long cable is suitable for inserting into any Windows and Android-based smartphone as well as any iPhone, iPad, iPod or MacBook.
FEATURES
- This iPhone vlogging microphone comes with a long extension cable with a 3.5mm jack, wind muffing microphone, stainless steel lapel clip, mic jack adapter, and a handy carry pouch
- Extremely lightweight and compact
- Easy set up: batteries or power plugs not required
- Velcro strap to prevent tangling of cord
- Across-the-board compatibility
PROS
- Broad-spectrum compliance: can be used with desktops, cameras, tablets, smartphones, and laptops
- 78” cable allows the user to move around over a large area both indoors and outdoors without compromising audio pick up quality
- Velcro strap keeps the cable wrapped up while you’re recording or addressing in a static position as well as when you’re packing up
- Noise cancellation feature keeps out background noise
- Mic is covered with air muff to diminish noise of wind
CONS
- Clip isn’t sufficiently flexible which implies that you can hook it up only in a few sections
- The cable is not very resistant to wear and tear and therefore the mic might come unstuck in the long run if used extensively
- Prone to picking up background noise
3. Marantz Professional Pod Pack 1 | Broadcast Boom Arm with Included USB Condenser Microphone
The USB condenser mic from Marantz is one of the best vlogging microphones that you can go for. This Marantz Professional Pod Pack 1 USB condenser microphone with broadcast boom arm exploits cardioid audio recording technology which ensures sound from objects placed closed to each other is picked up flawlessly minus distortions. This vlogging equipment 2017 comes with a boom arm fabricated out of the best grade of steel making it terrifically robust.
Suspension springs attached to the arm helps in steady setting up on a tabletop for effective audio capture and playback. The boom arm can be telescoped in a range of 15.75”-27.5” giving you full freedom to record podcasts or give voiceover dictations.
FEATURES
- USB type condenser: Quick and convenient setting up with laptop, desktop, GoPro, DSLR, and camcorder
- Audio directional pattern: Cardioid and unidirectional
- Very lightweight: weighs just 13.5oz
- Good telescoping range of the suspension arm
- Flexible suspension rings for customized installation
- Stand constructed out of hardwearing steel for lasting performance
PROS
- Pod Pack 1 takes advantage of cardioid polar pattern sound reproduction technology: eliminates background noise while filming in crowded spaces or small rooms
- The jack can be hooked into any audio/video device having an USB port
- This best vlog equipment can be installed in 4 easy-to-follow steps
- The telescoping boom arm can be moved up and down or sideways according to the user’s need and convenience
- High quality steel has been used for crafting the boom lever making it resilient
CONS
- Popping is noticeable when speaking within 2-3 inches of the microphone
- The rubber on the clamp for gripping the table is liable to shift eventually
- An adapter might be needed for using with any standard mic mount
- The suspension boom arm could have been more telescoping
4. SEREE Handheld FM Wireless Microphone (3.5mm Jack) External MIC for Camcorder Digital Video Recorder
If you’re looking for a good vlogging microphone for making an indie film or recording a family reunion for uploading on YouTube, then you’ll find the SEREE handheld FM wireless eminently handy. This microphone for vlogging has been crafted out of premium metal which makes it heavy duty and has a matte finish for gripping comfortableness. Both the transmitter mic and the receiver have been designed meticulously that facilitates excellent transmittance of sound waves for relaying to the camcorder or GoPro for audio recording.
You can speak into the mic within a radius of 65ft from the receiver and the camcorder without compromising on the quality of the recorded audio.
FEATURES
- Highly versatile shotgun mic: compatible with a range of audio recording devices
- Excellent reception range: up to a maximum of 65ft
- Comes with rechargeable batteries for transmitter mic and receiver chargeable via USB
- Relatively lightweight and highly tactile
- Robust metal construction
- Receiver has antenna for better reception
PROS
- Unidirectional polar pattern shotgun mic for enhanced sound recording and replay
- Multipurpose mic: can be set up with different audio/video devices
- Sound receiving range up to 65ft offers the user to move freely while recording
- Fast and convenient recharging via USB receptacle
- Being compact and lightweight it is easy to hold and carry
- Fabricated from premium quality metallic material imparting to it a high durability
CONS
- Audio quality may take a beating if you’re recording too far away from the receiver but within the recommended 65ft
5. Movo LV20 Dual Capsule Battery-Powered Lavalier Clip-on Omnidirectional Condenser Interview Microphone for Cameras, Camcorders and Recorders (TRS 3.5mm Plug)
The LV20 lapel microphone with dual mics and clips from Movo comes to your aid when you’ve to conduct a job interview, record a podcast for an online conference or voiceover dictation. This Movo mic unit comes with numerous vlogging gear including two sets of transmitters and clips facilitating smooth two-way communication. The slim profiles of the lapel clips and the mics enable the users to easily hide them while recording footage or interacting with an audience.
The vlogging microphones are covered with muffing foam for keeping background noise to a minimum. The cord extending to about 6 meters enables free movement while recording voice and the versatile 3.5mm jack can be plugged into the USB port of an action camera or DSLR.
FEATURES
- Efficient mic with omnidirectional polar pattern
- Broad-spectrum compatibility: can be used with camcorders, DSLRs, SLRs, and GoPro
- Extensive mic cable
- Standard 3.5mm jack
- Lightweight and compact
- LR44 battery for powering
PROS
- Can be used with standard models of camcorders, action cameras, DSLRs, and SLRs
- Ideal for holding interviews, making webcasts or podcasts, recording videos for YouTube
- Foam windscreen for muffling wind noise and external disturbance
- Dual mic with dual lapel clip for seamless two-way interaction
CONS
- The mic picks up some ambient noise if used in a very noisy area
- The included LR44 battery might become dysfunctional sooner than expected
Conclusion
With the rising popularity of video logging for uploading on YouTube, creating podcasts or webcasts, demand for vlogging microphones has gone up concomitantly. The market for such ext. mics for use with DSLRs, SLRs, camcorders, and action cameras in order to record quality audio is chock-a-block with lapel mics, shotgun mics and studio mics. Selecting 5 microphones for vlogging was an arduous task.
3 lapel mics one each from YouMic, PowerDeWise, and Movo were considered and every model had its own benefits and drawbacks. If you need to choose any one from these 3, go for the Movo mic because of its better reception range and versatility of use. If you’re looking for a mic for across-the-board use, both the Marantz Professional and the SEREE Handheld Mic are equally good, though the former has an edge over the latter owing to its robustness and flexibility of use.